The competitors of Joan Garcia
The four goalkeepers that Barcelona has in mind to compete with the world champion
Joan Garcia has established himself as the starting goalkeeper for Barcelona after a first season where he won LaLiga and the Zamora Trophy, conceding 21 goals in 30 matches. With the goalkeeping position secured for now, Barça is looking at the transfer market to find a young alternative who can assume the role of the second goalkeeper and grow under his shadow.
The plan doesn't require seeking another starter. Born in 2001, García is under contract with Barcelona and enters the 2026/27 season as the first choice, so the sought-after profile should combine age, room for development, and the ability to initially accept a backup role.
Lucas Chevalier, an option already on Barcelona's radar
Lucas Chevalier, a 24-year-old French goalkeeper, is one of the names that may appear in a list of high-level alternatives. The goalkeeper currently belongs to PSG after moving from Lille, so any potential deal would require negotiations with the French champions.
His situation is worth monitoring as Chevalier has previously been linked with Barcelona and maintains an age profile compatible with long-term planning. However, his status in Paris makes a hypothetical transfer complex: the player wouldn't arrive with a guaranteed starting position.
For Barcelona, Chevalier would make sense if they are looking for a second goalkeeper with enough competitive experience to cover for García in League, Cup, or Champions League matches without significantly altering the hierarchy.
Guillaume Restes, the young bet that could be more accessible
Guillaume Restes, a 21-year-old goalkeeper, represents a different alternative. The Frenchman belongs to Toulouse and is still at a stage in his career where a move to a European giant could be seen as a growth opportunity.
Restes already has professional experience in France despite his age and remains a Toulouse asset. Additionally, his contractual situation would enable Barcelona to consider a transfer deal rather than depending on a loan.
This scenario aligns with a common strategy for building the future of goalkeepers: signing a young goalkeeper, allowing for an adaptation period, and using them as direct competition for García when necessary.
Barcelona's academy also offers alternatives
Diego Kochen, a 20-year-old American goalkeeper, remains a name Barcelona should monitor. The club has him under contract until 2028 and has chosen to provide him with experience outside the reserve team to aid his development.
There's also Áron Yaakobishvili, a 20-year-old goalkeeper developed at La Masia, who could enter the medium-term plans. His progress at Almería will determine whether Barcelona deems it necessary to dip into the market or if they find the backup for García internally.
Both have an obvious advantage: Barcelona wouldn't need to make an expensive transfer and could keep two young goalkeepers within their structure while García holds the main position.
Joan Garcia sets the path for the goalkeeping department
García's season has altered the landscape. His 21 goals conceded in 30 matches and the Zamora award in his debut campaign make the Catalan a stable piece for the future of Barcelona.
Thus, the decision on the next goalkeepers should address a specific issue: finding a second goalkeeper who can compete without demanding a change in hierarchy. Chevalier and Restes present two different market profiles, while Kochen and Yaakobishvili offer internal solutions that Barcelona can continue to develop.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los competidores de Joan Garcia